


Letter: NC should catch up with Michigan on death penalty
“North Carolina’s capital punishment has not done a better job deterring murder than Michigan’s life-in-prison rule: Homicide rates for the two states are virtually the same.”

Letter: What the numbers (and attitudes) say about Asheville area
“Apparently, Asheville has earned the dishonorable distinction of placing in the top 10% of most violent cities in the entire country.”

High anxiety: Welcome to Buncombe County’s new mascot
“Our plane is intended to ‘rule the skies until 2070.’”

Flaming the fans

Letter: Woodfin board should address development concerns
“The community has serious concerns about the proposed development on Richmond Hill.”

Table for one

Letter: Postal Service deserves our respect
“I think our local mail carriers are really doing a great job in the face of awful problems.”

Submit student art, writing for 2021 Kids Issue
Xpress is now accepting submissions for the 2021 Kids Issue! The theme: “My Great Idea.” Deadline is Friday, Jan. 29.

Letter: A better way to support jobs in Buncombe
“We should be giving tax incentives to local sustainable businesses, not to a multinational corporation that relies on fossil fuels and perpetuates a war industry that is the scourge of the world.”

Letter: Kudos to AFD — and check those smoke alarms
“The whole procedure took about two hours and cost about $100 to save lives and structure.”

Heeeere’s the residential market

(HUMOR) What I’ve learned about dating in Asheville during a pandemic
“Dating is hard in general. Dating during pandemic? Even harder. Dating during a pandemic in Asheville? Wut?”

(HUMOR) 2021 Funny Pages

Shelve it underground

(HUMOR) Xpressers almanac: What will 2021 bring?
Xpress staffers offer their humorous predictions for a year that might be even weirder than 2020. Asheville-area media, the Asheville Police Department, political figures and local protesters are all up for the skewering.

(HUMOR) Five virtual food-related classes for and after COVID-19
Editor’s note: The following story, unlike the rest of Mountain Xpress’s award-winning coverage of local news and events throughout the rest of the year, is 100% fake. Feeling a little sluggish after 2020? Curious how you’ll readjust once things eventually return to normal? These five fictitious classes might be your answer. Please and Thank You: […]

(HUMOR) Mime plot silenced
Proposed changes to the city noise ordinance were part of a nefarious, multiyear plot by mimes, hell-bent on monopolizing the vibrant arts scene with their quiet ways.
Xpress announces changes for 2021
From our publisher: “As 2021 dawns, we need to adjust our operations in anticipation of what’s shaping up to be another challenging year. Our focus and commitment must be on positioning Mountain Xpress to continue serving the Western North Carolina community and preserving our ability to rebound when business conditions ease.”

Letter: Cigarette ads — really?
“Imagine my shock and utter dismay to find two full-page ads for cigarettes.”

A touching gift
By Irene Olds